Veteran Agent Raquel Lomonico Joins Top Compass Brooklyn Team

Raquel Lomonico

Lior Barak and Christine Blackburn Lior Barak and Christine Blackburn announce that local Brooklyn new development specialist and resale agent Raquel Lomonico has joined their high-flying team. The Barak Blackburn Team has sold $2 billion in property and $50 million in land and development in Brooklyn and Manhattan. With the support of Ms. Lomonico, the team looks to continue its perforation of northern Brooklyn and its omnipresence in new development.

"I could not think of a better fit than working with Christine and Lior," said Ms. Lomonico. "I was getting calls from agents wanting a Brooklyn specialist while they focused on Manhattan, but I run around Brooklyn in sneakers and wanted to be on a team that matches my personality and prioritizes business here." 

Ms. Lomonico started her career at Douglas Elliman 14 years ago before moving to Corcoran. She was most recently at Nest Seekers, where she managed sales at 510 Driggs, the luxury-defining new development condominium in Williamsburg. Throughout her storied career, she has established herself as a local agent with insightful market knowledge and an extensive referral neighborhood client base.

Raquel's pivot to Compass comes at a time when the tech-enabled firm has grown to be the largest residential brokerage in Brooklyn by closed sales, according to The Real Deal. 

Lomonico notes a recent surge in individuals and families looking for three-to-four bedrooms in Williamsburg and Greenpoint will drive new real estate activity. "North Brooklyn was not traditionally where you raised a family, but that has started to change," she said. 

"Raquel is a local agent who aids her clients in making smart decisions," said Christine Blackburn. "We believe she is the best cultural fit for our team and, coupled with Compass tools and services, will continue to help us elevate our business." 

Lomonico is raising awareness for animal rescue when she is not selling real estate. A self-declared animal lover, whenever possible, she uses her marketing to raise funds for that cause.

YAGP Celebrates Susan Jaffe, next Artistic Director of ABT

Jonathan Beukelman, Larissa Saveliev, Gave Hoffman and Mazie Hoffman

"My friend Larissa Saveliev is one of the most important people in ballet today.” said Susan Jaffe, the next Artistic Director of ABT, “What she and her organization, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), does is vital to the future of Ballet." The occasion was a YAGP cocktail party honoring Susan, the first celebration for her new position, on Tuesday evening, September 16th, at the magnificent art-filled residence of Caroline and Ed Hyman.

Larissa returned the compliment, saying, "Susan has been a dear friend of YAGP since 1999 -- our beginning. She has inspired countless young dancers as a YAGP guest artist, adjudicator, master teacher, scholarship presenter, choreographer, and founding Trustee. We are thrilled to have Susan return to New York City as Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre. The dance world is grateful for her and her talent."

The sentiments were echoed by YAGP Board Chair Richard Osterweil and YAGP founding board member Sergey Gordeev and followed by hoots and applause by guests including Maria-Cristina Anzola, Afsaneh Akhtari, Peter Bacanovic, Barbara Brandt with daughter Skylar Brandt, Joan Hardy Clark, Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky, Linda and Martin Fell, Joanna Fisher, Judith Hoffman, Allen London, Linda and Ed Morse, Irene Shen, Allyson Tang, Barbara Tober, and Ali Wambold as well as the new ceo of City Center, Michael S. Rosenberg.

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Industry-Leading Assouline Team Returns to Douglas Elliman

Douglas Elliman Realty,, announced today that acclaimed agents Ruthie Assouline and Ethan Assouline, co-founders of the powerhouse New York City and Miami Beach based Assouline Team, have returned to the firm. The five-person team, including Oliver Gold, Eytan Namiech and Samantha Hershbein will be operating out of the Douglas Elliman offices at 575 Madison Avenue, New York and 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach.

“Ruthie, Ethan and their team continuously set records in two of the most dominant real estate markets in the world and have established themselves as one of the top-producing teams in the industry,” said Howard M. Lorber, Executive Chairman of Douglas Elliman. “We know that they will continue to build on their excellent track record now that they are back at Elliman.”

“Ruthie and Ethan have built one of the most powerful teams in the real estate industry,” said Scott Durkin, Chief Executive Officer of Douglas Elliman Realty. “Their professionalism and knowledge of the dual markets has helped them achieve a reputation for excellence. We look forward to their continued success at Douglas Elliman.”

During their previous tenure at Douglas Elliman, the team earned the highest status in the company and ranked within the top 10 agents in their office, and among the top one percent nationwide. Since expanding to Miami, the Assouline Team closed over $300 million across New York and Miami, breaking records in both markets.

“We are incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished and the level of service we deliver to our clients across both New York and Miami,” said Ruthie Assouline. “Douglas Elliman’s powerhouse network and new development opportunities will only strengthen our existing resources and increase our footprint on a local and global level.”

“Douglas Elliman’s legacy brand and culture for excellence align with our own, and we are thrilled to be joining forces,” said Ethan Assouline. “We can’t wait to unveil several incredible on- and off-market trophy properties in New York and Miami, along with many other exciting announcements coming soon.”

The team is consistently ranked as one of the top small teams nationwide by RealTrends. They recently closed a $16.5 million sale of a full floor Robert AM Stern unit at the exclusive 18 Gramercy Park S. with a key to the park. They also made headlines in Miami for the record-breaking sales of Madonna’s former estate for $29 million, the highest sale to date on North Bay Road for $44 million and a sale in Altos Del Mar in Miami Beach for $37.5 million. 

“Ruthie and Ethan are two of the industry’s finest leaders, repeatedly placing among the top agents in two of the most competitive real estate markets in the United States,” said Jay Phillip Parker, CEO of Douglas Elliman, Florida and President of Douglas Elliman Development Marketing, Florida. “We could not be prouder to welcome them back home to Douglas Elliman.”

 “The Assouline Team has been a force in New York real estate for a long time, and we have continued to watch and admire their work,” said Richard Ferrari, President and CEO of Brokerage, New York City and Northeast Region. “We are thrilled to have Ruthie, Ethan and their team returning to us here at Elliman and look forward to their continued success.” 

Offering a diverse combination of financial expertise, in-depth industry knowledge, and exceptional marketing prowess, Ruthie and Ethan’s combined strengths create an unparalleled force in the industry, setting the standard for superior service and result-driven strategies. Their international experience and dedication to delivering a flawless level of service has allowed them to build a wide-reaching global network of trusted contacts. Together, they thrive on being an all-encompassing and reliable resource for their clients, helping them navigate each transaction with energetic passion, a custom approach and concierge-style attention.

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Interiors Trend: Is Fashion Week’s Glossy, Metallic 2000s Trend Making Its Way Into New Kitchens?

With NYC Fashion Week all wrapped up, we've identified one crossover trend that’s been picking up steam across new kitchen interiors: metallics and gloss. A hallmark of the early 2000s, this futuristic aesthetic is having a major comeback (along with everything else from the early aughts) in not only fashion, but other realms of design.

Ideal for a sleek look, we’re seeing metallic and glossy finishes in new development kitchens that have said goodbye to traditional wood and hello to a more streamlined, clean vibe that hearkens back to the bold, future-forward looks of the millennium. See below the most fashionable kitchens in town.


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The Highest residence in the world hitting the market

Just listed the highest residence in the world in now on the market. It will also be the most expensive listing in the U.S. and it’s on track to set records. Ryan Serhant the listing broker currently listed for $250,000,000.

It’s 1,416 feet high (4.5 football fields high), it spans three floors, from the 129th-131st floors and it’s 17,545 square feet of interior living space and 1,433 square feet of outdoor space. It has a ballroom (the highest private ballroom in the world) and a grand salon, 2 kitchens – one is a private catering kitchen and one is a private family kitchen – and you can see the curve in the horizon from that height.

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Ryan Kaplan Leaves Eklund/ Gomes For Corcoran

Ryan Kaplan Photo Credit: “Anthony Barillo”

The Corcoran Group, today announced that top broker and real estate development expert Ryan Kaplan joined Corcoran from Douglas Elliman. Announcement of the move was made by Pamela Liebman, Corcoran’s President and CEO.

Kaplan, previously one of the top producers at Elliman’s renowned Eklund-Gomes team, is now affiliated with Corcoran’s West Side office, led by Senior Managing Director Joel Dommel.

A former partner at Imperial Development Group and an Elad Properties/Naftali Group alum, Kaplan has a rare and formidable background amongst the brokerage community with over a decade of expertise operating as a real estate developer. By taking the cross-functional set of skills intrinsic to the development process and bringing them to the sales side of the business, Kaplan has rapidly distinguished himself as a sought-after advisor, notably to developers and investment-focused private clients. His unique ability to provide an elevated level of guidance spanning property underwriting, valuation, zoning, and construction led him to complete over $100M in transactions his first year as a broker in 2019. Since then, his annual transaction velocity has continued growing at a breakneck pace.

To date, Kaplan has been involved in the sale, leasing, development, and financing of over $500 million worth of real estate spanning residential, commercial, retail, and industrial assets. He previously took over sales at both Tribeca’s 6 Cortlandt Alley and along with a teammate,  acquired a dozen sponsor units from HFZ’s “Metro,” now rebranded under CIM as ‘53rd and 8th’. Kaplan completed the sell-out of the former and is now down to the final sponsor units of the latter. Earlier this year, he was recognized by StreetEasy for becoming one of the top brokers nationally in their Experts platform.

“Ryan has proven himself to be an exceptional talent in the real estate industry, and we’re very lucky to have him join us at Corcoran,” said Liebman. “We have a strong presence in the new development space, and with his duality of having been a developer, I know Ryan will achieve great success with the power of Corcoran behind him.”

Kaplan remarked on his move, “It’s uncommon to see a developer expand to the brokerage side of the business. Corcoran was swift to recognize the rare combination of skills I bring to the table, and offered me an amazing platform to focus on expanding my involvement in the new development space. When I first entered the brokerage arena, I underestimated the advantage my development background afforded me, yet in hindsight, it has been a major part of my success. The expertise that the development world granted me has enabled me to communicate to both developers and private buyers with a more sophisticated pedigree of guidance. There are so many investment-savvy players in this market and being able to anticipate and understand their decision protocols has been a tremendous asset. Having the #1 brokerage in New York City recognize that and seek to help me cultivate my business is an incredible opportunity.”

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Inside Tribeca Green - 24-Story Tower to Transform into For-Sale Homes

Tribeca green in New York City Off The MRKT

Tribeca Green

Tribeca Green at 210 Warren Street will offer modern, attainable luxury along with robust amenities and services by Related. Tribeca Green’s serene setting is surrounded by nearly 50 acres of beloved neighborhood parks and the Hudson River.  Stern originally designed the building and now returns for this comprehensive renovation.  

The new development will offer 270 condop (co-op with condo-style management and rules) residences for sale, ranging from studio to four bedrooms when sales launch in early 2023. Many homes in the 24-story tower have floor to ceiling corner windows overlooking the treetops of Teardrop Park or North End Avenue, and the building’s unique location features prime views of the twinkling Manhattan skyline and Hudson River sunsets.  

Tribeca Green will retain its timeless brick and metal cornice detailing on the outside — recalling the architectural history of neighboring Tribeca – and inside, Robert A.M. Stern Architects’ thorough and modern renovation of the residences and amenities will yield interiors with graceful touches and a warm atmosphere, offering great symmetry, proportion, and clean lines.

Sales at Tribeca Green will be exclusively offered by Related Sales LLC and Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group.

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Inside The Harper, a Contemporary Interpretation of the Upper East Side

Today we are getting a look at The Harper, a gracious new 21-story condominium building conceptualized inside and out by renowned architectural practice ODA. Located at 310 86th Street, and developed by IGI, The Harper is already well under construction, with the building topped out and the statement-making stepped façade taking shape. 


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Who Was At The US Open Men's Finals?

We have a winner! Last night was the 2022 US Open men’s champion is Carlos Alcaraz and celebs including Diplo, Julianne Hough, Tinx, and models Taylor Hill and Adut Akech experienced the final round of the tournament from the Grey Goose Suite. Guests celebrated the win and this year’s tournament with some specialty cocktails - including the Honey Deuce.

In the suite Rumored exes Diplo and Tinx were friendly with each other, chatting and taking selfies together in their seats. While in the Grey Goose suite guests also connected with celebs in other sections! Diplo chatted with Euphoria star Angus Cloud and Andy Cohen while Julianne gave Anne Hathaway a hug from the suite next door. And Julianne Hough brought along her POTUS costar Julie White to the suite to have some hang time outside of the Broadway show.

See more photo’s below courtesy of David Dow for Grey Goose vodka.


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Four New Family-Friendly Residential Towers in NYC with Imaginative Children’s Playrooms

With NYC children returning to school this month and working parents back to the post-Labor Day grind, families throughout the city are once again assessing how well their living situations work for their routines. Work-from-home spaces are certainly cropping up in residential buildings, but what about dedicated areas for the youngest residents to play, create and imagine?

Below, we’ve provided you with a selection of New York City’s newest residential developments with inspiring children’s playrooms.


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Our Favorite Listings For The Week

Looking for a new place to live or just curious about what's on the market? Check out our favorite homes you won’t want to miss out for this week. 

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Courtesy of Douglas Elliman

On the market with Eileen Foy of Douglas Elliman is the one-of-a-kind penthouse at the West Building in Chelsea, asking $20,000,000.

The building was designed by famed architect Alan Wanzenberg, who created this duplex penthouse residence with four exposures and 3,791 square feet of interior living space in addition to 1,000 square feet of private terraces.

Inside, Lewis Miller masterfully designed a modern, open-concept and airy home that perfectly marries indoor-outdoor living.

The standout here is the residence’s vast outdoor living space, with uninterrupted views of the Empire State Building and classic NYC rooftops due to the low-level surrounding buildings. The West Building is situated on one of the neighborhood’s best blocks, where owners can enjoy exclusive keyed access to “The Close,” a private and serene park space.


The 18-story, 61-residence limestone-clad tower provides grand proportions, oversized closets, bay windows, soaring ceiling heights, and an entire floor devoted to top-tier amenities such as a multi-media music room, library with study pods, fun-filled playroom, top-of-the-line fitness room and more!  

True to the hallmark quality of Zeckendorf Development, 1289 offers spacious residences ranging from two- to five-bedrooms that maximize common elements without compromising personal luxuries.  Also included, a large and elegant lounge with a catering kitchen and a rooftop terrace with fireside seating. 


With a 400-sq.ft. fully irrigated terrace and two additional balconies, the indoor/outdoor living vibes are endless. Imagine growing a garden/herb area or throwing a summer soirée with hors d'oeuvres and rosé from your private space above the city. Hosting opportunities are encouraged as the custom bar made from reclaimed wine barrels is a staple – with two built-in full-sized wine refrigerators, a refrigerator drawer, and a freezer drawer for plenty of cocktail and beverage storage.

The primary suite offers a to-die-for boutique style dressing room with a limestone island and custom wardrobe and shoe shelving units. The bathroom is outfitted with Calcutta marble, a steam shower, soaking tub and frameless glass shower. The two additional en-suite bedrooms enjoy large walk-in closets and baths.

At the heart of the home, find a gorgeous celebrity-chef designed kitchen, boasting a Caesarstone island with Poggenpohl cabinetry and high-end appliances to round it out. Right off the kitchen, direct access to a breakfast balcony and the formal dining space and an expansive living room is held.

151 West 21st Street PH2 is listed for $7.250 million by Rachel Koenig with Compass.


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